Studies to date have found that PUFA supplementation, especially a combination of omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids, has been linked to a moderate improvement in behavior issues associated with ADHD as well as parent-rated symptoms of the ADHD.

The bottom line is that yes, there appears to be a link between depression and nutrition, and ensuring a healthy diet could help keep children as happy as possible. More research is necessary to determine exactly how effective nutrient treatment might be in treating depression in children.

However, recent studies show that the benefits of probiotics extend well beyond digestion: probiotics can also have a positive impact on mental health and may be a valuable addition to the tool box of psychiatrists and psychotherapists who care about holistic care.

In recent years, researchers and integrative psychiatrists have been paying more attention to the potential for standardized pharmaceutical-grade nutrients or supplements, known as nutraceuticals, to improve the effectiveness of antidepressants.